IMC Ladies’ Wing – Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar 2019
The prestigious IMC Ladies’ Wing- Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar for 2019 was awarded to Ruma Devi – President of Gramin Vikas Evam Chetna Sansthan, (GVCS) situated in Barmer, Rajasthan by eminent Chief Guest – Mr. Prasoon Joshi – lyricist, screenwriter, poet, Chairman of McCann Worldgroup, Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO McCann Worldgroup, India.
The award comprised of cash award of Rs. 10 lakhs, a citation and a certificate.
As a role model and initiator of change, Ruma Devi has been successful in trained 22,000 artisans from 75 villages, working in and generating continuous income for artisans and their families. As President of GVCS she has brought international fashion designers to the doorsteps of rural women artisans proving to be a direct link between the two. A crusader for justice Ruma Devi today is the face of women empowerment. Her story has inspired numerous other women to stand up and question male dominance.
Mr. Prasoon Joshi’s address at the event was really inspiring, insightful and supportive of the many women aspiring for more in a man’s world. His speech on gender parity and equality greatly supported the objectives of the Wing and the theme for the year, “Me- The Change-maker”.The audience was truly enthralled by his speech and were completely in awe of his poetic and oratory skills.
Mr. Mukul Upadhyaya – CEO, Touchstone Advertising and Marketing Services headed the panel of Judges this year.
The event was helmed by IMC Ladies’ Wing President Mrs. Vanita Bhandari, Chairperson, JBP Committee – Mrs. Nayantara Jain and Co-Chairperson, JBP Committee – Mrs. Priyadarshini Kanodia along with the other committee members.
The Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar recognizes, promotes, supports and honours women entrepreneurs working to improve living conditions in rural India. It seems natural that the award was named after Jankidevi Bajaj, for all her pioneering work in the area of rural development. The award has only grown in stature since then, becoming a mascot for the Ladies Wing of the IMC in India’s hinterland, broadcasting the organisation’s ideals and philosophy to women who otherwise may not have encountered it.
Seen above in the photograph – Smt. Ruma Devi receiving the award by Shri Prasoon Joshi. Smt. Nayantara Jain, Chairperson, JBP Committee, Smt Vanita Bhandari, President, IMC-Ladies’ Wing and Shri Mukul Upadhyaya, Chairman, Panel of Jury looks on.
For more details view the edited version of the programme video on narishakti.org website.